Here's Everything You Need to Make Your Period Suck Less

Most women have complicated relationships with their periods. Sometimes they are welcomed, but sometimes they are an effing nightmare to deal with. So here's everything you'll want by your side when your cramps are debilitating, your patience is wearing thin, and you just need to commit to some serious self-care.

Livia could be one of the most effective drug-free ways of eliminating period cramps, which basically sounds like a miracle. To use it, you place the electrodes (the purple pads) on your abdomen, clip the portable device to your pants, and turn it on. Basically, what it does is send electric pulses that block the pain by confusing your brain's pain receptors. It can even work for crazy intense cramps/endometriosis and has been shown to reduce pain by up to 80%.

Though it's best to avoid high-sugar, dairy-filled foods while on your period, sometimes you just need a bowl of raw cookie dough. Edoughble's vegan chocolate chip option at least cuts down on the dairy part, so you can still indulge without making your stomach feel *the worst*.

If you frequently find yourself curled up in the fetal position while bingeing on Netflix, it's probably time you got a heating pad for dealing with those cramps. Combining aromatherapy with heat gives an extra comforting boost that'll help you feel calm and relaxed. Just pop this pad in the microwave to warm it up, and you'll start to smell the lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus scents wafting through the air.

OK, hear us out! Heavy, greasy food can be emotionally comforting during your period, but it can also contribute to the pain and discomfort of bloating. If you love shoving your face full of french fries when you're dealing with cramps (um, who doesn't?!) then you might actually love having an air fryer around. You can make your own crispy fries without all the added oil, so you can still indulge your cravings without making your stomach feel like shit.

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A Lil' Reminder to Be Grateful to Birth Control for Keeping You Regular

Actually, there are lots of reasons to be grateful to birth control — so keep this pin on your denim jacket or backpack as a little reminder of how great it can be (and how important it is that we have access to it)!

If you prefer to go the homeopathic route, this blend of essential oils may help relieve you of some discomfort. Just make sure to mix a few drops of this with some coconut oil (or any carrier oil) before rubbing it onto your abdomen.

Periods can also come with unwanted side effects, like dry skin and acne. Obviously, this has more to do with your hormones than with what you put on your face, but one way to combat the stress is to practice some self-care with hydrating at-home facials. Tony Moly's masks are inexpensive and effective, so you can use them every night if you want!

Caffeine isn't great for you when you're on your period, but if you really need it, try using this mushroom and coffee blend. I know it sounds gross, but you can't taste the mushrooms! This blend is lower in caffeine to help you avoid stomach burns, bloating, jitters, or harsh crashes, and contains chaga (a type of mushroom), which supports your immune system and helps to soothe your digestive system.

Monthly Gift is a subscription service that delivers your choice of pads, tampons, and/or panty liners each month directly to your door. You can choose a plan that works for you, and pretty much any combination of the products you want. They also have an app that helps you track your monthly cycle so you can get to know your body better.

Thinx underwear are meant to be worn without pads or tampons, and magically, they won't leak onto your clothes. You can choose from a variety of styles from booty shorts to thongs, each one with its own flow level. They can absorb up to two tampons' worth, and they even have a new activewear line now for when you like to work off those cramps at the gym!

If a heating pad isn't your thing, try a heating pillow! This lil' s'mores guy just wants to hang out with you on the couch and make your night suck a little less. Whether you put it under your head, lay it on your belly, or stick your hands in the warming slots on the side, it'll always be *here 4 U.*

What kind of monsters would we be if we left chocolate off the list of period and PMS must-haves?! Compartes' chocolate bars have the most gorgeous packaging, so opening up a bar will literally feel like discovering a secret treasure. We LOVE this flavor, because it's got a perfect balance of sweet and salty.

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